Respawn Reverses Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes After Backlash

Respawn Entertainment has swiftly reversed its controversial new battle pass changes for Apex Legends following significant backlash from the gaming community. Dive into the details of their new battle pass scheme and understand what sparked the public outcry.

Apex Legends' Battle Pass Takes a U-Turn After Public Outcry

Respawn Entertainment Reverts to 950 Apex Coins Premium Battle Pass

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, announced via their Twitter (X) page that they are retracting their plans for a new battle pass scheme due to overwhelming community feedback. The proposed system, which included two $9.99 battle passes per season and the elimination of the option to purchase premium battle passes with Apex Coins, will not go forward in the upcoming Season 22 update on August 6.

In response to the backlash, Respawn Entertainment has committed to restoring the Premium Battle Pass for 950 Apex Coins starting with Season 22. They acknowledged the poor communication surrounding the initial changes and vowed to enhance transparency and promptness in future updates. The developers stressed that addressing player concerns, such as cheating, game stability, and quality of life enhancements, remains their top priority.

Additionally, Respawn confirmed that Season 22 Patch Notes, scheduled for release on August 5th, will include several improvements and bug fixes aimed at enhancing game stability. They expressed gratitude to the community for their continued support, recognizing that the game's success hinges on player engagement.

The Battle Pass Controversy and the New Scheme

The revised battle pass scheme for Season 22 now offers a streamlined approach:
⚫︎ Free
⚫︎ Premium for 950 Apex Coins
⚫︎ Ultimate for $9.99, and Ultimate+ for $19.99
These options require a single payment per season, simplifying the process significantly compared to the original contentious proposal.

On July 8, Apex Legends unveiled a highly criticized battle pass scheme that required players to purchase two half-season battle passes at $9.99 each. This was a stark contrast to the previous model, where players could buy the premium battle pass for 950 Apex Coins or $9.99 for a 1000 coin bundle covering the entire season. The introduction of a premium+ option at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player frustration.

Fan Outcry and Reaction

The proposed changes triggered a significant outcry from the Apex Legends community. Players voiced their dissatisfaction on Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit, labeling the decision as disastrous and pledging to boycott future battle pass purchases. The backlash was further reflected in the overwhelmingly negative reviews on Apex Legends' Steam page, which currently stands at 80,587 negative reviews.

While the reversal of the battle pass changes has brought relief to many, players feel that such a situation should never have occurred. This strong reaction underscores the critical role of player feedback in shaping game development decisions.

Respawn Entertainment's swift acknowledgment of their error and commitment to improved communication and game enhancements is a positive step toward rebuilding trust with their player base. As Season 22 nears, fans are eagerly anticipating the promised improvements and stability fixes detailed in the August 5th Patch Notes.